Mary Warner

Mary Frances Sorensen Lathrum Warner passed away on March 1, 2020 at the age of 103. Mary was born to Nelse and Johanna Sorensen on February 6, 1917 in a farm house about six miles south of Norwalk, not too far from Prole, Iowa. Mary was number six of seven children born to the Sorensen family.

Mary was eventually adopted by Leslie and Maud Lathrum of Norwalk. They moved to the Ankeny area where she attended school through the 8th grade in a one room school house called Nagel School. It was located on a no named dirt road which is now known as Oralabor Road in Ankeny. She graduated from Johnston High School in 1934. During her Senior year, she played Center for the girls basketball team and ended the season 3rd in state. She related how they played on a three-quarters size court. In 2016, Mary was recently honored at the girls state basketball championship playoff game between Johnston High School and Ankeny Centennial. She was recognized as a member of the last Johnston High School team to make the finals for state all the way back to the 1934 season. The KCCI television station highlighted her during their news coverage of the March 4, 2016 game.

She married Charles E. Warner on November 28, 1942 and was happily married until his death in 1995.

Mary was a longtime member of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Ankeny. She was affectionately known as the “cookie lady” because of her many years of supplying dozens of cookies every Sunday for members to enjoy. She was also active in helping in the church kitchen, and for many years, assisted in keeping the church finances in order. She was always willing to help out in whatever way possible whether that was holding a baby in the nursery or cleaning the toilets. She had such a servant’s heart.

Until recently, Mary was still driving her car and running a sewing business out of her home. She was especially efficient at repairing flags for various organizations.
Mary had unwavering faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and was known as a woman of prayer and deep love for those around her. At age 103, Mary related, “I am so full of joy and every day is a blessing! I have such love for my children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and all my many friends. God is good to me!”

She will be greatly missed by her family, many beloved church members and countless friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Nelse and Johanna Sorensen, adoptive parents, Leslie and Maud Lathrum; her husband, Charles E. Warner; her siblings Agnes, Stanley Cliff, Mildred, Wayne and Bobby, and her daughter Sue Horning. She is survived by her son, Chuck (Carol) Warner of Ankeny, grandson Mike (Jackie) Horning of Cumming, granddaughter Leslie (Ryan) Carlson of Des Moines, Luke (Heidi) Warner of Ankeny, granddaughter Emily (Brad) Miller of Polk City, great-grandsons Brady, Brock, Bryce and Brecken Miller and Ben Warner, great granddaughters Shaylie and Celina Horning, and nieces.

The visitation will be held at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Ankeny on Friday, March 6th from 6:00-8:00 PM. The funeral will be held at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Ankeny on Saturday, March 7th at 10:00 AM.

Memorial contributions can be made to Cornerstone Baptist Church.

Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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